Esat Digifone, Nortel Networks sign GSM, GPRS contract

Dublin-based Esat Digifone, Ireland's second GSM operator and a BT affiliate, has signed a supply agreement with Nortel Networks valued at an estimated US$45 million to expand the capacity, coverage, and services of its nationwide GSM network. Nortel will supply and install new GSM equipment on the Esat Digifone network throughout Ireland, including additional mobile switching capacity and additional Intelligent Network (IN) equipment for prepaid service.

The agreement also includes General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) core network infrastructure and software to support high-speed wireless Internet services, which Esat Digifone expects to launch commercially later this year.

The Nortel GPRS platform can allow operators to offer full ISP capabilities, supporting applications such as secure mobile virtual private networks (VPNs) and mobile eBusiness. The GPRS core network solution is based on the Passport and Contivity extranet switches. The complete GPRS offering also includes its Preside suite of network, policy, and service management solutions, which enables wireless operators to implement high-quality, high-capacity data services quickly and cost-effectively.

Edited by Ellen Jensen